Do not take more than the recommended dose. Taking more than the recommended dose may cause liver damage.

Talk to your doctor about pain control if the medicine is not helping. If your body cannot metabolise codeine properly, you may be getting reduced benefit from the medicine.

How to take it

Swallow the tablets with water.

The directions given to you by your doctor or pharmacist may be different from the information in this leaflet. If you are unsure what dose to take ask your pharmacist or doctor.

If you forget to take it

If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to.

Otherwise, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally.

Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose that you missed.

This may increase the chance of you getting an unwanted side effect.

If you are not sure what to do, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

If you take too much (Overdose)

Immediately telephone your doctor or Poisons Information Centre (telephone 13 11 26) for advice, or go to Accident and Emergency at your nearest hospital, if you think that you or anyone else has taken too much Panadeine Forte.

Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. You may need urgent medical attention.

Keep telephone numbers of these places handy.

If you take too many tablets you may feel nauseous, light headed, dizzy or drowsy.

While you are taking Panadeine Forte

Things you must do

Take Panadeine Forte exactly as your doctor has prescribed.

Tell all your doctors, dentists and pharmacists that you are taking Panadeine Forte.

Tell your doctor if you become pregnant while taking Panadeine Forte.

Things you must not do

Do not take more than the recommended dose unless your doctor tells you to.

Adults should not take more than 8 tablets a day.

Do not take high doses of the medicine for long periods of time unless your doctor tells you to. Taking more than the recommended dose may cause liver damage.

Codeine may be habit forming.

Do not give this medicine to anyone else.

Things to be careful of

Panadeine Forte may cause dizziness or drowsiness in some people, especially after the first dose. If affected do not drive a car, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are dizzy or drowsy. Children should not ride bikes if affected and should be supervised to avoid potential harm.

Do not drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol increases the likelihood of becoming drowsy.

Panadeine Forte may be habit forming if taken in high doses for extended periods of time.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are concerned about this.

Side Effects

Tell your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if you do not feel well while taking Panadeine Forte. Like other medicines, Panadeine Forte can cause some side effects. If they occur, they are most likely minor and temporary. However, sometimes they are serious and need medical treatment.

If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following and they worry you:

Constipation

Nausea

Vomiting

Stomach pain

Dizziness

Drowsiness

Skin rashes

Sweating

These are the more common side effects of Panadeine Forte. They are usually mild.

Tell your doctor as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:

Shortness of breath

Mouth ulcers, fever and sore throat

Bleeding, bruising more easily

Unusual or extreme mood swings

Dizziness, light-headedness

Flushing of the face

Painful red areas with blisters and peeling layers of skin which may be accompanied by fever and/or chills

Severe blisters and bleeding in the lips, eyes, mouth, nose and genitals

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